​2016 May Kokoda Trek Report - Dean Opie

Thirteen mates arrived into Port Moresby on May 16th full of anticipation and hoping that the many long hours of training was going to pay off for what going to be nine very memorable days ahead. After an evening briefing and short film on Kokoda, it was an early night for all as finally our Kokoda adventure was about to begin.

Day 1An early rise at 4.30, our last piece of toast for some time then off to the airport for a 30 minute flight over the Owen Stanley Range before landing at Popondetta. They don’t call it the “Chiropractic Express” for nothing. Aboard our PMV with quick stops at the Kumusi river, Oivi and one flat tyre, we finally reach Kokoda some 4 hours later. Surely the track couldn’t be any tougher than truck ride?​We meet our Porters, head down to the Kokoda Plateau, a bite to eat and we are off. Deniki is in our sights and we smash it. What a beautiful village with views that we have earned and deserve. A tough day but we are on track.

Day 2The determination and toughness of the trekkers was kicking in. We make it to Isurava and we are all engulfed by reliving the heroic and selfless deeds that took place there some 74 years ago. Those Ragged Bloody Hero's, those bravest of the brave AIF warriors. We pay our respects and move on to the village of Alola via Con’s rock and where Butch Bissett took his last breath. We tuck into some popcorn, pizza and even a banana for Graham and we are off to bed. We are sung to sleep by our very talented porters.

Day 3Porridge and damper then we head out of camp by 6.30. Before long we are overlooking Eora creek from where the Japanese had their mountain guns hammering down on our boys during late October 1942. Up to Templeton’s 2 we stop off at an Australian ammunition dump, tuck into some pasta for lunch and after a long day we make it to Templeton’s 1 for the night. Some boys enjoy the frigid waters to ease those aches and pains while others enjoy a hot shower. Simon delivers another of his nightly talks. How good have we got it at home?

Day 4Through the moss forest until we reach the top of Mt Bellamy. Down to 1900 and off we go to check out Lake Myola. Another hard up before lunch which includes freshly make donuts. What a welcome we have in Kagi. The village ladies and kids greet us with songs and flowers. We are the 1st ever trekking group that will spend the entire Sabbath in the village of Kagi. This ends up as a huge bonus.

Day 5Sabbath day and rest day. We are welcomed with open arms to the Church service. Very memorable and humbling experience. Time to regroup, rest up before we are paid a visit again by the church choir and then by the kids of the village. An entertaining night and some grateful kids on the receiving end of some generous gifts.

Day 6We’re ready to get back into it. Straight down the steepest of hills then up to Efogi to pick up our supply of avocados. Still no rain in sight as we head up to Brigade Hill to pay our respects and poppys are laid. We are missing home but so too were those Heros of 1942. A long down to Myola, a quick swim and set up camp before finally there is some rain. We are all tucked in and not a complaint was heard. There is a bracelet awaiting the most minor of slip ups.

Day 7We stop briefly on the spot of the last parade of the 39th battalion before a hard slog up to the top of the Wall. Down we come, across Brown river and then trudge through the swamp then up those dreaded false peaks. Boy this is tough going. An early day is our reward before a night of culture and heavy breathing.

Day 84 hard hours to Ofi creek with a phone stop on the way. A quick bite to eat and then up we go to the top of Ioribaiwa. Was that tough or what? Tuna patties for lunch, 11 creek crossings and we are about to spend our last night on the Kokoda track. A swim at Wa Ule Creek and still no rain.

Day 9Where’s the road? No Roads. Where’s the road? No Roads. No Roads Spartans what is your profession? Whoo Whoo Whoo!. Off we go to the top of Imita Ridge. We have to earn every step of Kokoda as we are finding out today. The porters sing their National anthem at the final retreating spot of the Australians. Down the Golden stairs, across Goldie river and finally the end is in sight. Our Porters make the finishing line that more special by giving us a guard of honour.

We are there, we have made it. A feeling mixed with relief, joy, accomplishment and a great sense of pride. You have to earn it which we most certainly did.​We pay our respects at Bomana cemetery before we head back for our final dinner with all the Porters at the Holiday Inn. We are in for one last treat as we are honoured to have the very last surviving Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel join us tonight. Havala Laula describes to us his courageous and selfless deeds that he did for our young soldiers. He was just a boy himself. This was a special evening for a very special group of trekkers.

Well done and congratulations to Gary, Graham, Tony, Trent, Luciano, Daniel, Chris, Jason, Shane, Kurt, Sean, Richard and Craig. You all experienced everything that Kokoda could throw at you and you have come out memories and smiles that money just can’t buy.